Re: [Leica] Re: Inspired but arrested

[Jerry Lehrer <jerryleh@pacbell.net>]

LUGers

Somehow I think that a lot of you are over-reacting to this tempest
in a pee pot.

Jerry

Ted Grant wrote:

> RUBEN BLĘDEL asked:
> Subject: Re: [Leica] Re: Inspired but arrested
>
> > This Mall thing of yours - when is it going to cover all of the US? and
> > by the way is there a camera shop in the Mall ?  - if so - do you have
> > to leave the Mall before you can try your purchase ? <<<<
>
> Ruben,
> To make sure you understand what a mall is please allow me to make a quick
> explanation as I'm sure from your comments you have no idea how they
> function.
>
> Malls are privately owned business locations affording a great number of
> business owners of independent shops and large corporate department stores
> to be housed in enclosed  building locations usually on the outskirts of
> many large cities in the USA and here in Canada.
>
> These type of Malls are in many countries, also privately owned, although
> they may not have the strict regulations we do in North America regarding
> free roaming photographers access to the inside of the buildings.
>
> In the US and Canada if you are a legitimate news-photographer on assignment
> to show the throngs of Christmas shoppers, then yes you can shoot all you
> want... after clearing it with the public relations people for the mall.
> Been there, done it many times. Why can the news guys do it and not some guy
> with a camera?
>
> Simple. One is a legitimate assignment for a news story about Christmas
> shopping. But the guy just walking around with a camera playing HCB can
> become a pain in the ass to the mall owners if the shooter ticks of a patron
> and the mall gets complaints "someone took my picture and who is this
> photographer and why is he taking my picture in your mall? My lawyer will be
> calling!"
>
> Now remember you are on private property and on private property there are
> usually rules and regulations about using a camera, even in your country I'm
> sure. So it's no big thing in the USA, Canada or in many countries about the
> world.
>
> Many of these malls do have camera stores, but it's no big deal about trying
> a camera outside the shop if some one is buying and wishes to try it out
> side the store, however that's a major difference than walking about taking
> pictures of people shopping.
>
> I might also add since the unfortunate incident of 9/11 there are many
> people and companies in the USA who are very, shall we say, "Touchy" about
> photographs being taken of themselves and premises. ERGO: You maybe shooting
> in all innocents when you are challenged ..."Why are you taking pictures?"
> Followed by any number of scary questions.  Generally meaningless questions
> by insecure security people trying to impress the boss. :-(
>
> > you US LUGgers should put small stickers on the Malls were photographers
> are asulted this way !
> > would not want to visit the US and end up in jail for bringing a
> camera!<<<
>
> No need for stickers as most photographers understand one cannot take
> pictures in a mall without permission. However, if one were a visitor from
> another country a few pictures will hardly get one in trouble if it's
> pointed out they are tourists.
>
> And as far as being put in jail for using a camera in America or Canada it's
> highly unlikely. So come along sometime to North America and have a
> wonderful picture taking time. :-) Trust me there aren't any really magical
> pictures in a mall so forget them. ;-)
>
> ted
>
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